Comoran leader pledges to increase army budget
Posted by African Press International on April 11, 2008
Publisher: Korir, api africanpress@getmail.no source.apa
The president of the Union of the Comoros, Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, plans to increase the national defense budget to enable the Comoran army to better ensure its mission to defend the countrys territorial integrity.
“If it is necessary, I would increase the defense budget,” President Sambi said Wednesday during a ceremony to celebrate the liberation of the island of Anjouan.
The Comoran president, moreover, warned the national army against any excessive gloating after the success of the operation re-establishing order in Anjouan.
“The hardest is yet to come, because you must ensure the peace and safety of citizens on the whole territory,” he asserted.
According to him, the history of the Comoros is unfortunately a succession of coups detat and destabilization manoeuvres. “We have never lived in peace since independence,” he said.
Henceforth, it is up to you to make sure that Comorans feel safe wherever they are, he told the troops.
A powerful orator, President Sambi averred that he wants to initiate a new relationship between the state and the citizens.
“We have the annoying habit of asking ourselves what the nation can do for us; we must also ask ourselves about our own contribution to the development of the country,” he continued.
The Comoran government also pledged to create a marine unit in the National Development Army (AND), considering the geographical nature of the Comoros.
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African Press International – api
